TABLE 2.

Recommendations regarding early onset dementia

All patients with early onset dementia should be referred to a memory clinic, preferably one with access to genetic counselling and testing when appropriate. The cost of genetic counselling and testing should be covered by public funding. Physicians should be sensitive to the special issues associated with early onset dementia, particularly in regard to loss of employment and access to support services appropriate for that age group. Considering the rarity of early onset dementia, a national registry for interested at-risk individuals, mutation carriers and symptomatic patients will facilitate therapeutic research. This registry should be supported by public funding.